At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal and compliance functions, providing expert advice and managing risks across international operations.
- Company: Join Claxton Engineering, a leader in offshore installation and decommissioning with a strong ethical focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to shape company culture.
- Other info: Be part of a Senior Leadership Team that values integrity and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring compliance and ethical standards in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE and experience in commercial contract law.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Claxton combines decades of industry experience, proprietary technology, and exceptional service quality to cut through offshore installation and decommissioning complexity. Globally, we partner with operators and key contractors in conventional energy, decommissioning, and offshore wind, delivering certainty when it matters. Our expert teams anticipate challenges, deliver innovative high-performance solutions, and provide responsive, transparent support at every stage — ensuring seamless project execution and enduring value, throughout the asset lifecycle and across the energy transition.
Claxton are looking to source a Head of Legal & Compliance based at our facility in Aberdeen or Great Yarmouth. The Head of Legal & Compliance will be responsible for leading and embedding a strong, effective legal and compliance function across Claxton Engineering Services and Probe Manufacturing & Fabrication. Operating with a high degree of autonomy at business level, and aligned with broader group principles, the role provides pragmatic, commercially focused legal support while setting and maintaining appropriate legal, compliance and governance standards for the businesses. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team the role carries clear authority for legal and compliance matters and plays a key role in reinforcing ethical behaviour, risk discipline, and strong safety leadership across international operations.
Duties & Main Responsibilities
- Act as the primary legal advisor to Claxton and Probe on all legal matters.
- Provide timely, pragmatic legal advice aligned to commercial and operational realities.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including offshore services and engineering contracts, fabrication and manufacturing contracts, supply chain and procurement contracts, framework agreements, MOUs, and NDAs.
- Support tendering, contract risk review, and commercial assurance processes.
- Provide legal input into joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and international business development activities.
- Design, implement and own a proportionate legal and compliance framework appropriate to Claxton and Probe’s risk profile.
- Establish, maintain, and oversee policies covering anti bribery and corruption, competition / antitrust, sanctions and export controls, data protection, whistleblowing, and conflicts of interest.
- Act as the internal authority and escalation point for compliance matters.
- Develop and deliver legal and compliance training across regions and functions.
- Promote a culture of ethical decision making, proportionate challenge and accountability.
- Identify, assess, and clearly articulate legal and compliance risks across projects, regions, and functions.
- Support the Senior Leadership Team in making informed, risk based decisions.
- Ensure legal and compliance risks are captured and managed within the wider business risk framework.
- Lead the management of disputes, claims, and contentious matters.
- Support early identification and resolution of issues to minimise escalation.
- Manage litigation, arbitration or mediation as required, including the instruction and oversight of external counsel.
- Support effective governance arrangements appropriate for the businesses.
- Ensure compliance with applicable company law and regulatory requirements across operating jurisdictions.
- Provide support to board and leadership governance processes, including documentation and delegated authorities.
- Lead and develop the Legal & Contracts team, including performance management, capability development, and succession planning.
- Act as a visible Senior Leadership Team member, contributing beyond legal matters to the overall leadership and performance of the business.
- Demonstrate and promote strong safety leadership, recognising the link between ethical behaviour, compliance discipline, and safe outcomes.
- Set clear expectations for professional standards, behaviour, and accountability.
- Select, instruct, and manage external legal advisors and specialist consultants.
- Control legal spend and ensure value for money.
- Act as an intelligent client, translating external advice into practical business actions.
Required
- Qualified solicitor or lawyer in the UK or another common law jurisdiction.
- Minimum 5 years PQE, with significant in house experience preferred.
- Strong grounding in commercial contract law and dispute resolution.
- Experience operating across international jurisdictions.
- Experience in offshore energy services, engineering, manufacturing, or construction environments desirable.
- Exposure to international compliance programmes (ABAC, sanctions, competition law) desirable.
- Commercially minded with strong professional judgement.
- Comfortable challenging constructively at senior leadership level.
- Pragmatic and solutions focused.
- Able to operate independently while aligning with wider group principles.
- High ethical standards and personal integrity.
Location: Aberdeen or Great Yarmouth
Work Country: UK
Head of Legal & Compliance in Aberdeen employer: Acteon
Claxton is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and safety-focused work culture in Westhill, Aberdeen. With a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development, the company offers ample opportunities for growth within the dynamic offshore energy sector. Employees benefit from a supportive environment where their contributions are recognised, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal & Compliance in Aberdeen
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal & Compliance in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Acteon, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Acteon and the specific role of Head of Legal & Compliance. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Acteon’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acteon
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Acteon.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Acteon.
